by Mari Radtke
In the opening round of the “Road to State” hosted by Ridge View Raptors at Holstein, on Saturday February 15, the MMCRU Royals came away with a surprise win. The back and forth leads made for an exciting game. Ridge View took a 4-point lead at the end of the first quarter with MMCRU reclaiming those 4 points during the second quarter, ending the first half in a tie at 20.
Ridge View squeaked a 1-basket lead in the third. MMCRU shooters got hot in the final period of play, outscoring their host by 6 and winning 40-36 to advance to the next round on Tuesday February 18 at Rock Valley.
Sophomore Chloe Alesch dropped in 18 points to be the Royals’ top scorer. Alesch also grabbed 8 boards, half offensive. Sophomore Tia Tentinger contributed 8 points to the Royals effort and Senior Kylie Harpenau drilled 7 points. Harpenau rebounded 5 with 2 of them offensive and marked 3 steals. Tentinger also grabbed 5 boards, 4 offensive, and 2 steals.
Harpenau assisted with 3 shots; Junior Sadie Youde also 3, and Junior Lana Florine helped out with 2 assists.

Rock Valley Ends MMCRU Run

by Mari Radtke
The Rock Valley Rockets doubled the MMCRU Royals scoring in the first quarter, 18-9. They did the same thing in the second quarter, 14-7, taking a 32-16 lead to the locker room. The second half scoring was more relentless play by the Rockets on their home court Tuesday, February 18. The Rockets expanded their lead in each quarter of the second half. The final score was 55-25. No game stats are available at press time.